Wooden Blocks-Care
Wood butcher block can take much hard wear and tear,
be resurfaced or repaired, and continue looking good for
many years.
Before using a new butcher block, season it to
prevent staining and absorption of food odors and
bacteria.
A mineral oil finish is preferable to polyurethane
or varnish because the oil finish is easy to maintain
and to repair if the wood surface is damaged. An oil
finish helps to prevent the wood from cracking or pulling
apart at the seams. Although boiled linseed oil will
work, mineral oil is preferred because it will not turn
rancid.
Before applying oil to butcher block, warm the oil
slightly. Apply oil with a soft cloth, in the direction
of the grain, allowing the oil to soak in between each of
the four or five coats required for the initial
seasoning. After each treatment, wait about four to six
hours and wipe off oil that did not soak into the wood.
Re-oil the butcher block monthly or as often as needed.
Wood butcher block counters have all the
characteristics of solid wood. They will shrink or expand
as the moisture content of the wood changes. Extreme
dryness may cause cracks. Any cracks that appear should
be filled with wood filler, sanded smooth, and the entire
block given a good coat of oil.